Punta Gorda – It’s Happening on the Harbor – a motto that doesn’t disappoint. Having grown up only an hour away I was surprised at all this city offered. Situated along the shores where the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor meet, Punta Gorda provides an eclectic mix of things to see and do: a relaxing waterfront, historic buildings, educational mural walk and a variety of shops and restaurants.
A Brief History of Punta Gorda
The name Punta Gorda was given to the area by Spanish fishermen from Cuba in the early 1800s. It changed to Trabue after Col. Isaac Trabue, from Kentucky, bought the land sight unseen in the early 1880s and had it platted as Trabue.
The name did not stick, however, and in 1887, a group of individuals, including the original surveyor, signed a notice of intent to incorporate Trabue into Punta Gorda. Although the town changed names, the impact Trabue had on its development did not. Trabue is credited with bringing the Florida Southern Railroad to town and to stimulating early growth.
The Murals of Punta Gorda
There is much to be read about the history of Punta Gorda, but there is another fun way to learn about this city – through its murals. The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society was created in 1994 and is a part of the Florida Mural Trail. Currently, there are 29 murals already completed, with the 30th in the works. Print out a guide or pick one up at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a day enjoying history through art.
The first stop on the trail, End of the Line, located on the Copperfish Books building, plays homage to town founder Isaac Trabue and railroad pioneer Henry Plant. Both men can be seen on one of two murals at this location, along with products that were once shipped from the area. A second mural on the south side of the building features steam locomotive Number 11 as it is pulling into town.
Watch the short clip of the mural here.
From the city’s founding to Punta Gorda’s first fire station, each of the murals has its own story to tell. A tour of the murals reveals the history of banking, life along the Harbor, the natural beauty of the area, as well as individuals who have left lasting impressions on this city.
Walk or bike, the murals are a sight to behold and linking to the past is easy through the interactive tour. Make sure to have a QR code reader on your smartphone to scan the bar codes found next to the plaques for each of the murals. When scanned, you are taken to the Mural Society’s website for an instant description of what you are seeing.
Mural Society Tours and Classes
Although we were able to walk or drive to most of the murals, the Mural Society offers private tours for small groups of 10 – 20 participants. They also offer “History of Punta Gorda in its Murals” classes where you can learn about the city’s history through a look at each of the murals, without even leaving your seat. The classes last about two and a half hours and are taught throughout the year, but registration is required. Call (941) 505-0130 for more information on the upcoming classes and to reserve your seat.
Other Things to See and Do in Punta Gorda
Besides the murals, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Punta Gorda. A walk along the waterfront is definitely a must. It is part of the city’s Harborwalk, a stretch of a about two and a half miles along Charlotte Harbor that takes you through Laishley Park and Gilchrist Park.
At Laishley Park you get a spectacular view of the Harbor bridges, not to mention a chance to indulge in ice cream at Harborwalk Scoops & Bites – which bills itself as “Ice Cream with a View.”
Another place to visit is Fisherman’s Village, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Stop in one of the shops at the village, have a bite to eat or quench your thirst at one of the restaurants, take a stroll by the marina, or stop to have your picture taken at one of the ready-made photo backdrops.
Other sites of interest:
“Calostimucu” the Whispering Giant – a carving by Peter “Wolf” Toth, depicting the first people to inhabit the area. Dedicated in 2006, this towering piece of art also contains a time capsule in its base. The carving is located next to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and Punta Gorda Historical Society which are located in the A.C. Freeman House.
Historic Downtown: Walking through historic downtown, it is easy to come across historic plaques and markers about important people and places. These signs provide more insight into the early history of Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda Railroad Depot and Antique Mall: The railroad played an integral role in the history of Punta Gorda beginning in the late 1880s. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the depot was built in 1928 and was the southernmost train station at the time in the United States and was used mainly for shipping fish to markets to the north, even though it also carried passengers. After the depot closed, it was bought and donated to Old Punta Gorda, Inc., then restored and reopened as a museum and antique mall. Although the building bears the original signs for the segregated waiting rooms, the museum has incorporated those into its exhibits showcasing early pioneers.
Punta Gorda has turned itself into a destination you don’t want to miss. Its history has been preserved, and its present and future have been embraced. Spend a day. Spend a weekend. For a city that bills itself as “Happening on the Harbor” Punta Gorda definitely delivers.
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Town of Murals: Lake Placid, Florida
Loved the article. Are their print outs available ? Do not have printer available while down here for winter would be able to pick up. Thanks
I picked up a copy of the mural trail guide at the Walgreens. I think I paid $5 but it has a map, a picture of each mural and the history of all of it. You have to see the Cattle Drive mural!
Oops. I thought I was replying about Lake Placid. I did get a print out in Punta Gorda but don’t remember where I got it. Maybe the Chamber.
I lived in Punta Gorda bac in the 80’s and this was a real trip down memory lane for me. Thanks for writing this Florida Magizine.
Makes me want to go on a road trip.
Thank you! I’m on a road trip today!
I lived in Punta Gorda in the 80’s. This was a wonderful trip down memory lane for me. Thanks for writing the Florida Magizine. It makes me want to go on a road trip. Sally